Young House Love

Home Decorating, DIY Tutorials, & Shenanigans

  • Our Current House
  • Our Previous Homes
    • Our Richmond House
    • Our Beach House
    • Our Duplex
  • Before & Afters
    • Our Current House
    • Our Previous House
    • Our Beach House
    • Our Duplex
    • Our First House
    • Our Second House
    • Our Showhouse
  • DIY & Decorating Tips
    • Most Popular
    • Home Improvement
    • Painting
    • Cleaning & Organizing
    • Crafting & Art
    • More . . .
  • Podcast
    • Getting Started
    • Show Notes
  • Shop
    • Our Fav Home Finds
    • Our Lighting Line
    • Our Books
    • Book Club Picks
    • Black-Owned Businesses

Young House Love » Our Second House » Making Simple Burlap-ish Fabric Art Mats

| By Sherry Petersik | January 10, 2012 | 176 Comments

Making Simple Burlap-ish Fabric Art Mats

Since lots of folks have asked for close up photos and more of an explanation about our little art switcheroo above the sofa, here it is. It’s such an easy project that anyone can do (probably for under $5 if you have the frames and some small photos or prints that you love (images from greeting cards or postcards could even work). So we figured we’d share the goods while we work on our backsplash (those goods will be up tomorrow am!).

Our frames above the sofa started out with colorful paper in them ($5 worth of craft paper from Michael’s to be exact). That added some fun oomph for a while, but the beauty of that $5 price tag was the freedom to switch things around and just sort of go with the flow. So they sat as plain blocks of color for a while…

ColorRibbas Horizon Straigh

… and then we added some fun local art prints (just taped in the middle of our colored paper)…

Square No White Straight

… but after our new rug arrived we were jonesing for something less colorful (since we had amassed a ton of colorful pillows and some bright accessories like the ceramic hurricanes on the desk). We also decided we could use some more texture, so that somehow triggered me to look in my fabric scrap bin and realize that I had enough burlap-ish textured linen-ish stuff to do the trick.

Living Room2

Sorry for that terrible description. It’s just a sand-colored fabric that sort of looks like linen or burlap (you know, it has those crosshatched lines running through it) that I got on super clearance from JoAnn fabrics a while back – so I don’t think it’s actually real linen and it’s a bit too soft to be burlap.

Frames Horizontal Straight

Here’s my completely not scientific framing method. I just:

  • unstuck my little art squares that had been taped to the colorful fabric with a loop of tape
  • used the same loop of tape to stick them to the center of the eight 12″ x 12″ fabric squares for each frame
  • taped the fabric to the back of the frame’s mat on all sides (to keep it from looking saggy and wiggly)
  • regular old scotch tape worked for that part, but if you have heavier fabric, something stronger like duct tape might be better

That’s it! Oh and these are Ikea’s ribba frames (with 12 x 12″ openings) if that helps. I love that my tiny polariod-ish prints make you look closer, and when you do, you see the texture in the fabric behind them. It’s really sweet, especially in person. I keep glancing over at them when I sit on the sofa.

Frames Full Angled

Frames Vertical Straight

Sometimes Burger takes John-sprawled-out-on-the-ottoman-taking-photos-of-the-art to mean that he’s supposed to sit on him. Naturally. So we took more photos and shared them over on Young House Life. Naturally.

Frames Burger

Anyway, so the art thing was a free swap and I’ve been using the colored paper that I took out for other projects around the house – like John’s boyscout badge Christmas present.

Gifts Johns Frames Full

Gifts Johns Badges Close

Oh and since a few folks also requested an open-ottoman shot to see how it’s all organized in there, here ya go:

Ottoman Open

Ottoman Open Paint

The big woven basket is my paint chip bin (yes I keep various paint decks in there and even save loose paint chips so I can later do weird things like make art or ornaments with them). The other three baskets are for various Clara toys. There’s also a giant blanket in there (it can actually stretch across the entire monster of a sectional that we have and cover me in one corner and John in the other corner, which makes me crazyhappy). It’s just a king sized blanket I found at HomeGoods a while back for 25 bucks.

So there you have it – two living room goings-on. What have you guys been framing lately? Any fabric “mats” or backgrounds? What about fabric as art? That’s always fun too! Any ottoman organization? We learned really fast that tossing things in without smaller bins and baskets = chaos. Like a small tornado hit ottoman-ville every time we cracked it open. So apparently it’s all about sub-containment inside of larger containment devices. Lesson learned.

Psst- A reader (thanks Caroline!) sent along the link to this article about why people seem to be “wired” with the desire to DIY things, and it’s so interesting! The “add one egg” thing is especially amazing to me.

More posts from Young House Love

Filed Under: Crafting & Art, Our Second House

Fab Freebie: Boxing Match
Penny Tile Backsplash DIY Tips & Tricks

Comments

  1. Avatar for JennyJenny says

    January 10, 2012 at 2:26 pm

    Love the new look!!

    Reply
  2. Avatar for KimberlyKimberly says

    January 10, 2012 at 2:35 pm

    I’ve been so inspired by all your wall are that I’ve chosen to personalize all the art in my apartment.I’ve used old family photos, scrapbook paper, photos, cork, postcards – even writing a quote in sharpie on the glass. Last week I enlisted the help of my crafty bff & made a large piece (48″x28″) for above the sofa with fabric bought on clearance and canvas stretcher bars. The total project was $35 that included an investment in a staple gun. There’s also quite a bit of fabric left for another project. Win!
    Thanks for all your tips & continuing to share your lovely story.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      January 10, 2012 at 2:36 pm

      Aw, that sounds awesome Kimberly! Congrats!

      xo,
      s

  3. Avatar for KristaKrista says

    January 10, 2012 at 2:36 pm

    You and Katie Bower both posted about Burlap today. Planned?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      January 10, 2012 at 2:36 pm

      Hahaha- too funny! Not planned! Except mine’s a poor man’s burlap. Not quite the real deal like Katie’s!

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for JulieJulie says

      January 10, 2012 at 2:53 pm

      I was thinking the same thing. Great minds think alike!

  4. Avatar for Rebecca @This Nest is BestRebecca @This Nest is Best says

    January 10, 2012 at 2:36 pm

    We recently took down our “wedding shrine” (http://thisnestisbest.com/2011/06/09/i-won/) to make way for a Hot Chocolate and Coffee Dessert table backdrop (http://thisnestisbest.com/2011/12/05/holiday-hot-chocolate-coffee-bar/) and then a Mad Men bar – we have yet to figure out what to do with this wall in our dining room since the removal of the wedding shrine…okay, really the whole room has been a thorn in my side! Gosh darn dining room!

    But, I digress…my real point was that I was recently framing vintage ads for a Mad Men party and several of those are still hanging around the house – I kind of love them and some might stick around more long term!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      January 10, 2012 at 2:38 pm

      Haha- love it! So charming! Now I want a hot beverage…

      xo,
      s

  5. Avatar for Holli CHolli C says

    January 10, 2012 at 2:36 pm

    What are the chances that you and Katie B blog about burlap on the same day?! Haha ironic!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      January 10, 2012 at 2:37 pm

      Haha- that’s my girl!

      xo,
      s

  6. Avatar for ErinErin says

    January 10, 2012 at 2:37 pm

    Loving the organization in the storage ottoman.

    Reply
  7. Avatar for MeganMegan says

    January 10, 2012 at 2:38 pm

    I’m loving the burlap behind the images. I so love texture.
    I’m also considering taking my husband’s badges off his Eagle Scout bage and framing them in a similar manner.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      January 10, 2012 at 2:38 pm

      Ooh send pics if you do!

      xo,
      s

  8. Avatar for KatieKatie says

    January 10, 2012 at 2:38 pm

    Thanks for sharing! Such awesome timing for me as I recently received four 5×5 photos for Christmas (here they are from Etsy seller, EyePoetryPhotograpy – http://www.etsy.com/listing/69838901/butterfly-photos-nature-photography) that I want to frame in our bathroom but didn’t know where I could get big, matted frames with 5×5 openings – now I realize maybe I don’t need to! I can just buy the Ikea ones and do something similar to what you did :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      January 10, 2012 at 2:39 pm

      Wow-those are seriously gorgeous!

      xo,
      s

  9. Avatar for MarthaMartha says

    January 10, 2012 at 2:39 pm

    I haven’t read your blog for very long, so maybe you’ve talked about this before, but I love the idea of the long skinny table behind the couch! It is so functional and practical but also adds some nice depth to display beautiful objects. You are an inspiration, as always :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      January 10, 2012 at 2:40 pm

      Thanks! We actually built that mammoth of a console table! Here’s a link that leads back to all the related posts: https://www.younghouselove.com/the-console-returns-one-last-time/

      xo,
      s

  10. Avatar for Chelsea KarlgaardChelsea Karlgaard says

    January 10, 2012 at 2:39 pm

    I miss your posts like this one. The details of your house :0). And budget blooms….just sayin’

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      January 10, 2012 at 2:43 pm

      Gotta bring back budget blooms for sure! John and I were just saying that in the car! Haha, we fell off. We did share lots of details about how we decorated the house for the holidays last month and shared things like how I made blackout curtains for C’s room last week along with some DIYed holiday gift details (between bigger projects like painted cabinets and play-kitchen details!). I think as anyone in the middle of a kitchen reno can attest, sometimes things like flowers take a backseat! Haha. But we can’t wait to bring them back!

      xo,
      s

  11. Avatar for Amy L.Amy L. says

    January 10, 2012 at 2:40 pm

    Ha! Katie has a Burlap post today too.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      January 10, 2012 at 2:45 pm

      Haha, great bacon-loving minds think alike!

      xo,
      s

  12. Avatar for ColleenColleen says

    January 10, 2012 at 2:41 pm

    How do you mat all of your artwork, paper, etc. in the white frames? Any tips, or a link to where it’s been mentioned? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      January 10, 2012 at 2:45 pm

      Those mats come with Ikea frames! We love them for that! Haha.

      xo,
      s

  13. Avatar for BethBeth says

    January 10, 2012 at 2:41 pm

    I can not pick which look I like better ! Stumped over here. Either way super cool.

    Reply
  14. Avatar for MeganMegan says

    January 10, 2012 at 2:41 pm

    Hi! I’m a newer reader – so I’m sure this was talked about at one point. But I’m in love with your ottoman!! Where did you find it?!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      January 10, 2012 at 2:44 pm

      Thanks! That was from jossandmain.com (they’re a flash sale site so inventory changes a lot- might want to try wayfair.com too).

      xo,
      s

  15. Avatar for LindaLinda says

    January 10, 2012 at 2:41 pm

    I kind of sort of LOVE the new art! I even love your super-scientific method of tape loops. That makes it so that you can change it out on a whim easily, which is fantastic.

    You’ve also made me feel the need to run out and find a bunch of baskets/boxes at Goodwill and the like to better organize our ottomans. I smell a project coming on…

    xoxo Linda

    Reply
  16. Avatar for Julia @ Chris loves JuliaJulia @ Chris loves Julia says

    January 10, 2012 at 2:43 pm

    I seriously need to organize our storage ottomans. It’s beyond embarrassing. The new art is so sweet and I am CONSTANTLY changing the art around here. Last week, I finally finished a huge unfinished painting ( I literally slapped paint on a canvas) that has been hanging in our dining room for months. And I documented the fun I had in the interim.

    http://chrislovesjulia.blogspot.com/2012/01/painting-process.html

    Sherry, it would be so fun to live closer and have like, one day a month to just paint together. Not walls. Art! Right?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      January 10, 2012 at 2:46 pm

      Gorgeous! One of my personal resolutions is to paint more (not the walls- haha). Would be so fun to do together!

      xo,
      s

  17. Avatar for TaraTara says

    January 10, 2012 at 2:43 pm

    I’m slowly building my first “art wall” with some ideas from your site – first and foremost, your cork-backed vintage map idea. Since I just moved halfway across the country from Nebraska to California, it makes it easy to point out where I come from when visitors drop by (sadly, many Californians seem to have no clue where Nebraska is on the map!) plus I can remember all the places I’ve visited over the years.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      January 10, 2012 at 2:48 pm

      I love that! Good luck and have fun!

      xo,
      s

  18. Avatar for Rachel McCoyRachel McCoy says

    January 10, 2012 at 2:43 pm

    Nice article you linked to. Very interesting. However, the “IKEA effect” has a different meaning in our house. I think assembling IKEA furniture is like your very own marital enrichment course; it’s its own exercise in commitment, communication and conflict. There are few other tasks that can get my husband and I at each other like cats and dogs! But oh, that sense of pride and completion when it’s all said and done…..very worth it indeed. :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      January 10, 2012 at 2:48 pm

      Haha- too funny!

      xo,
      s

  19. Avatar for AllynAllyn says

    January 10, 2012 at 2:44 pm

    I have a blanket like that from Wal-Mart (don’t tell), and I love it. It’s huge and cozy. I’m tall, so one of my pet peeves is a blanket that doesn’t reach from my neck to below my feet. I even let my husband share it with me, that’s how huge it is.
    Your corralling method for the ottoman is like mine for the bathroom. Organized chaos.

    Reply
  20. Avatar for Devon @ Green House, Good LifeDevon @ Green House, Good Life says

    January 10, 2012 at 2:46 pm

    Where did the Missoni vase end up? I haven’t seen it in a while….

    And on a semi-related note, what’s your strategy for storing/using all of the things you buy over time that don’t immediately make up onto walls, etc.? I was wondering as I looked at the February recap that included the resin ram, wooden goose, and the 23 things for 98 bucks. Do you have a new decor store? I suspect that’s the playroom for now, but longer term?

    Sorry to ask so many questions today. I’m just so curious (and struggling with how to deal with similar stuff-age at my house).

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      January 10, 2012 at 2:47 pm

      Hmm, I think that’s on the built-ins in the dining room! Will have to do a video house tour for the update of where accessories have jumped around! As for the stuff from the Feb recap post, those items are all in our chaotic and insane playroom! We have to get a handle on that stuff and just yard sale what we don’t want and paint/hang/use stuff that we do! I’ll keep you posted!

      xo,
      s

  21. Avatar for JeanneJeanne says

    January 10, 2012 at 2:46 pm

    Very nice! I likey! Especially since your coach has so much color on it these days. I really like how your house/rooms/projects/artwall/etc are living spaces. I like that you don’t just give it the stamp of “DONE” and move on, never to look back, like so many other people. It is quite the inspiration. Thanks!

    Reply
  22. Avatar for JoanneJoanne says

    January 10, 2012 at 2:47 pm

    Great transformation!

    What are the sizes of the frames above the sofa?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      January 10, 2012 at 2:49 pm

      They have 12 x 12 openings. Maybe they’re 20 x 20″ overall?

      xo,
      s

  23. Avatar for Rachel TatemRachel Tatem says

    January 10, 2012 at 2:47 pm

    Love the new look!

    Reply
  24. Avatar for FredaFreda says

    January 10, 2012 at 2:48 pm

    Where do you get your frames? I want some just like em :) Gracias!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      January 10, 2012 at 2:49 pm

      These are ribba frames from Ikea! Hope it helps!

      xo,
      s

  25. Avatar for Lindsay BLindsay B says

    January 10, 2012 at 2:49 pm

    Cute! You and Katie B are on a burlap kick this week! I love it! :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      January 10, 2012 at 2:50 pm

      Haha, isn’t that funny?

      xo,
      s

  26. Avatar for Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication[email protected] says

    January 10, 2012 at 2:49 pm

    Love it! Thanks for the living room update! I hadn’t noticed them before, but I’m IN LOVE with the colorful hurricane vases on the living room desk! Where’d you pick up those beauties?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      January 10, 2012 at 2:50 pm

      Those are from HomeGoods a while back! Hope it helps.

      xo,
      s

  27. Avatar for VanessaVanessa says

    January 10, 2012 at 2:50 pm

    I love the hurricanes on the desk, where did you find them?

    It’s my first time commenting but I read your blog every day and love everything you do. I wish you still lived in Astoria so you could help me out lol.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      January 10, 2012 at 3:17 pm

      Aw thanks Vanessa! Say hi to Astoria for us! As for the hurricanes, they’re from HomeGoods a while back! Hope it helps!

      xo,
      s

  28. Avatar for RachelRachel says

    January 10, 2012 at 2:51 pm

    I love swapping art around. Its an easy way to freshen up a space without spending too much money. Unless, of course, you’re buying new art.

    Reply
  29. Avatar for Kristen @ Popcorn on the StoveKristen @ Popcorn on the Stove says

    January 10, 2012 at 3:06 pm

    I like the fabric background more than the bold colors. It just seems more serene to me.

    Reply
  30. Avatar for Raina@ Mamacita Spins The Globe[email protected] Mamacita Spins The Globe says

    January 10, 2012 at 3:06 pm

    Very clever to switch out the artwork! I am in the process of framing some of my kids’ art. They took a printmaking class this summer and they made some incredible art! Being a grad from an art school, I am super proud of my littles!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      January 10, 2012 at 3:17 pm

      That’s so cool! I loved printmaking in college!

      xo,
      s

  31. Avatar for LaurenLauren says

    January 10, 2012 at 3:17 pm

    Love the big blanket… it will be perfect for Clara’s future fort making. :-)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      January 10, 2012 at 3:18 pm

      Haha- so far she likes to make a pile of pillows and that big ol’ blanket and jump on it!

      xo,
      s

  32. Avatar for Brandi @ His Shabby Her ChicBrandi @ His Shabby Her Chic says

    January 10, 2012 at 3:18 pm

    I am loving the living room change up! I need to finally get some art up in my living and this might just get me motivated!

    Reply
  33. Avatar for Krystle @ ColorTansformedFamilyKrystle @ ColorTansformedFamily says

    January 10, 2012 at 3:19 pm

    I love that your ottoman stashes all your stuff. I would like to see more of how you keep a clean house with Clara’s toys. I don’t see them strewn all around the house in your pictures. I would love your ideas of how to manage toys.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      January 10, 2012 at 3:22 pm

      We basically have a basket system going on (in each room we have a giant brown basket, which you can usually see in a number of our House Tour pics). Into the basket go all of her toys at the end of the day or before guests come over. Otherwise they’re usually everywhere and she’s playing with all of them! Haha.

      xo,
      s

  34. Avatar for SusanSusan says

    January 10, 2012 at 3:21 pm

    You inspired my frames… I bought similar white square shadowboxes at Ikea and filled them will different printed scrapbook pages in the same colors as my furniture and accessories. It was easy to add a punch of color in a way that wasn’t scary! We also decided to “go nuts” and hang the squares on the diagonal which is kinda cool.

    Now I’m trying to figure out what if anything i need to do with the huge blank spot above my TV! Can’t figure out if I’m going nuts covering all the wall or if it really is as awkward as it looks to me!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      January 10, 2012 at 3:23 pm

      Sometimes something round looks great over a TV to break up all the harsh angles- like a round mirror!

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for heatherheather says

      January 10, 2012 at 3:32 pm

      Totally agree. It’s completely unexpected and a visual break. I love roundness whether it’s on my hips or above my tv.

  35. Avatar for heatherheather says

    January 10, 2012 at 3:24 pm

    I just put up some art this weekend in my office, which has been entirely artless since I painted it. In fact, most of my house is artless which is kind of sad and womp womp. This made me happy though. I purposely liked everything not lined up. I posted about it here. Since obviously hanging up two frames requires a blog post. My grandma read it and goes, “sweetheart, those aren’t new hangers, I’ve been using them since before you were born.” bahah.

    Me = Lame.

    I’ll have a better post up soon. Andy is almost done with our shaker style walnut tables and as of this morning a saw mill was out back sawing our trees into lumber for our roof sheathing of the addition.

    Reply
    • Avatar for heatherheather says

      January 10, 2012 at 3:24 pm

      duh. post.

      http://www.likeacupoftea.com/ooky-wall-art/

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      January 10, 2012 at 3:26 pm

      Cuuuute!

      xo,
      s

  36. Avatar for Melanie @ Mailbox JourneyMelanie @ Mailbox Journey says

    January 10, 2012 at 3:26 pm

    Love that ottoman storage – I’ve been looking around for a new coffee table or ottoman lately, but haven’t found anything that tickles my fancy :p

    Reply
  37. Avatar for angelangel says

    January 10, 2012 at 3:27 pm

    I just finished framing a giant photo collage. Every year our kids take the exact same photo at Christmas with Grandpa. I’m not sure how it all started as it’s a silly pic but it has stuck for about 15 years. This year I pulled out all those pics and matted them and framed them in one huge frame that I displayed at Christmas. Grandpa got one too and loves it!!!! It’s fun to look back and remember all those fun times and see how much everyone has changed and how it went from 1 kid in the pic to 3 kids in the pic.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      January 10, 2012 at 3:28 pm

      That’s so cute! I love it!

      xo,
      s

  38. Avatar for Ruthy T.Ruthy T. says

    January 10, 2012 at 3:33 pm

    wait….you have another blog?!?! *squeel*! so exciting…adding it to my reader now!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      January 10, 2012 at 3:34 pm

      Aw thanks Ruthy! It’s sort of a family blog where we dish about life (mostly baby and dog stuff). And sometimes behind the scenes YHL stuff gets in there (like photoshoot outtakes, etc).

      xo,
      s

  39. Avatar for RachaelRachael says

    January 10, 2012 at 3:36 pm

    I am really loving these “little” posts in between the kitchen ones. I am very excited to see the kitchen when its done, but I also know that you like to do smaller projects after you finish a huge one. So I am looking forward to the projects that happen in the after-glow of the kitchen.

    Reply
  40. Avatar for Lindsey @ arkadian belle woodsLindsey @ arkadian belle woods says

    January 10, 2012 at 3:51 pm

    I so love your living room! It’s so gorgeous! All of the pops of color and accessories…..brillz!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      January 10, 2012 at 3:58 pm

      Thanks Lindsey!

      xo,
      s

  41. Avatar for ConnieConnie says

    January 10, 2012 at 3:51 pm

    Dear John and Sherry greetings and a very happy and healthful new year to your little family from Montreal Canada!
    Love your new art switch, each litlle picture truly draws you in does’nt it?
    Great shot of that little tyke Burger! How is baby Clara today? My gals have been surfing your way almost everyday to see how she is making out and check out her wardrobe, such a cutie! I am waiting for your finished kitchen pics, love the penny tiles,if we can catch our breath after all the craziness of the holidays, we may just go for a new kitchen this Spring, ours is about 60 years old, time for a face lift.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      January 10, 2012 at 3:59 pm

      Aw Clara’s doing great (dancing and singing Jingle Bells in the kitchen actually- haha). Say hi to your gals for her!

      xo,
      s

  42. Avatar for alisonalison says

    January 10, 2012 at 3:59 pm

    Do you have the frames set up as shadow boxes or is the glass directly on the mat and print? If it’s set up like a shadow box – HOW DO YOU DO THAT?!?! I’m forever perplexed on how to do this using those Ikea frames…

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      January 10, 2012 at 4:05 pm

      Haha, the little “spacer” for lack of a better word comes out. So see the thick rectangle that is parallel to the frame (you have to take off the back to see it)- that thing comes out and you can put it between the mat and the glass to create that space!

      xo,
      s

  43. Avatar for lindsey b.lindsey b. says

    January 10, 2012 at 3:59 pm

    someone may have already commented this, but it sounds like your fabric is unbleached cotton, also called osnaburg! i get mine super cheap (like $2 a yard!) from walmart of all places & use it for EVERYthing. it’s like burlap but less stinky & more flexible & easier to sew. love it! just thought that might help for future reference if you love it too :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      January 10, 2012 at 4:04 pm

      Thanks so much for the tip!

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for CrissCriss says

      January 10, 2012 at 9:11 pm

      That’s a great tip Lindsey. I love the look and texture of burlap, but it can be stinky! Our Walmart no longer sells fabric but maybe I can find it at Joann’s…

  44. Avatar for ReubenReuben says

    January 10, 2012 at 4:19 pm

    I love the way you guys have such a unique way of hanging pictures. I feel like most folks would have hung one, maybe two frames in that area. But you hung 8, identically sized frames in a perfect array. The math nerd in me likes it a lot.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      January 10, 2012 at 4:35 pm

      Thanks Reuben! They were a bear to hang but once we got them up there they’re nice and easy to switch out when it comes to the art! Haha.

      xo,
      s

  45. Avatar for LaurenLauren says

    January 10, 2012 at 4:27 pm

    I like the burlap so much! (Not that I didn’t like the colors, just like the burlap better.)

    Although honestly, you shouldn’t care what I think anyway, my walls are still all white after five years and I actually had a giant beanbag chair instead of a loveseat for like two years. (NOT my decision, I think it made my husband feel like he was still in college.)

    Come to think of it though, the beanbag chair cover I forced him to get was burlap-colored.

    Turns out I have excellent taste.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      January 10, 2012 at 4:35 pm

      Haha, excellent indeed!

      xo,
      s

  46. Avatar for Amanda StanfordAmanda Stanford says

    January 10, 2012 at 4:33 pm

    Hi Sherry, just a random question. I have recently purchased some of those white sheepskin throws from ikea and was just wondering if you have ever washed yours or how you get them clean. As mine are new they look lovely at the moment but taht will probably last two seconds in my crazy family home lol, i know you have had yours a while how can i keep them looking lovely any ideas? BTW love, love, love your blog and you have given me many ideas for my own home thank you x

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      January 10, 2012 at 4:36 pm

      We have the faux ones, which I have learned you can actually toss into the washing machine on cold and then tumble dry low! Hope that helps!

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for Amanda StanfordAmanda Stanford says

      January 11, 2012 at 4:07 pm

      Thank you i’ll give it a go! keep up the good work you guys, you have a lovely family and home, I read your blog each night before bed and it inspires me so much x

  47. Avatar for Sherry from BCSherry from BC says

    January 10, 2012 at 4:39 pm

    Love the change. Changing up the wall decor really is satisfying…..you really start looking at what is on the walls again. I like the texture idea. Thank you for showing the inside of the ottoman. I have a long narrow one in my tv room and have done something fairly similar but using baskets and rubbermaid containers that have lost their tops. This enables me to put in and take out just one group of items. Somehow it seems that I have more toys for my grandchildren who visit on weekends than I did for my kids when they lived with me full time. Does that mean I spoil them? Anyway, gives me a stash. How did you get your paint chip decks? Did you buy them?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      January 10, 2012 at 4:41 pm

      Yup, I bought them. I used to do these little paint color dilemma things for readers (who would write in with paint requests and for a small fee I’d recommend a scheme for them) so I got them for that. They still come in handy a lot for our own house stuff!

      xo,
      s

  48. Avatar for SarahSarah says

    January 10, 2012 at 5:12 pm

    I just recovered my dining room chairs – does that count?

    I followed the jaw-droppingly “of COURSE!!” advice from Mr Nate B and used a fabric that is cheap, colourful and funky, wipe-downable (essential with two little boys in the house) and easy to get hold of = Shower curtains!

    My chairs went from a grubby cream to a funky white, blue and taupe stripe. They were sort of daggy before but now they rock. And I can even wipe tomato sauce straight off!!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      January 10, 2012 at 5:15 pm

      So much fun! Love it!

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for Sherry from BCSherry from BC says

      January 10, 2012 at 5:35 pm

      What a great idea. I must have missed that episode……I have to recover my extra chairs which I use for big family gatherings…..currently kinda grotty from grandchildren’s dropped food. This is a great idea……

  49. Avatar for dsm718dsm718 says

    January 10, 2012 at 5:12 pm

    I love this! Beautiful idea that I just might try for over our mantle in our bedroom, where I hate the pics we have up!

    But my real question is, is that the Ikea sofa? The ‘Karl’ you wrote about last year? I’m newish to the blog so didn’t see that post. I’m trying hard to convince my husband that it’s time for a new sofa – we have a Mitchell Gold that for all it’s worth is not comfortable (I think I screwed up getting down in the back pillows but not in the bottom pillow), and it’s a low profile so it feels like there’s no back support. Especially for a tall, long torso’d gal like myself.

    So – is your sofa comfortable? Every time I sit on a sofa at Ikea it feels hard. Can you lean back and read or does it not support your neck? Are you happy with it? Also, the link you gave has arms on both sides – did you have to adjust anything to have the chaise on one side?

    Thank you!!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      January 10, 2012 at 5:17 pm

      Yup, that’s Karl! Still very happy with him! We hunker down every night and work away into the early morning on the sofa, so nothing feels hard or leaves us stiff! We just got the corner sofa plus the add-on chaise and it came this way to be assembled (the chaise could be added to either side). Hope it helps!

      xo,
      s

  50. Avatar for snosiesnosie says

    January 10, 2012 at 5:24 pm

    I have been framing….! I went into the framing store, and got three frames, two off the shelf matt boards, and then ordered one custom matt and got one canvas stretched. So proud to get all my travelling art/photos up in my new pad! But of course I want to paint before I hang them, so I’m just leaning them against the wall now… le sigh

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      January 10, 2012 at 5:51 pm

      Haha, isn’t that always what happens? You get all excited to hang something and they end up resting against the wall for the longest time!

      xo,
      s

Newer Comments »

Stuff We Love

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

John and Sherry smiling against pink backgroundHey, we’re John & Sherry. We’ve fixed up 7 homes, written books, designed products, started a podcast, and then downsized & moved to the beach! Here you’ll find over 3,000 DIY projects & home updates. More about us…
*This site contains ads and affiliate links*
See our disclaimer & privacy policy to learn more

Latest Finds

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

SHOP OUR LIGHTING

Young House Love Shades Of Light Capiz Chandelier

GET POSTS BY EMAIL

We’re Digging

Traditional Rug
The “Magic” Rug
Smokeless Solo Stove Firepit
Smokeless Firepit
Woven Storage Ottoman
Storage Ottoman
Subtle Pink Rug
Our Bedroom Rug
Blue Air 211 Air Purifier
Our Air Purifiers
Faux Potted Olive Tree
Faux Olive Tree
Kohler Memoirs Toilet
Our Favorite Toilet
Soft Striped Rug
Soft Striped Rug
SEE MORE OF OUR FAVORITE FINDS > >

  • About
  • FAQs
  • Press
  • Contact
  • :)

© 2023 Young House Love ® · Disclaimer · Privacy Policy · Terms of Use · A Fun Wordpress theme on Genesis Framework · Hosted by Liquid Web